Name: MARITES P.

DE LEON Rating: ______________

Program/Course: _________________ Date: ___________ Teacher: _____________

ESTERIFICATION

Background
A carboxylic acid contains a carboxyl group, Figure 1.
which consists of a hydroxyl group, that is -OH, Carboxyl group showing its
attached to the carbon in a carbonyl group as shown carbonyl and hydroxyl groups
on the picture at the right.
Figure 2.
Esterification Process

Esterification occurs when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol. This reaction can only
occur in the presence of an acid catalyst and heat. It takes a lot of energy to remove the -OH from
the carboxylic acid, so a catalyst and heat are needed to produce the necessary energy.
Carboxylic acids are used as precursors to form other compounds such as esters,
aldehydes, and ketones. Carboxylic acids are used in the production of polymers,
pharmaceuticals, solvents, and food additives. As such, they are often produced industrially on a
large scale. Carboxylic acids are generally produced from oxidation of aldehydes and
hydrocarbons, and base catalyzed dehydrogenation of alcohols. They can be produced in the
laboratory for small scale reactions via the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes, oxidative
cleavage of olefins, and through the hydrolysis of nitriles, esters, or amides.
Objectives:
At the end of the experiment, you should be able to:
 Study the physical properties of carboxylic acids’ solubility, acidity and aroma;
 Prepare a variety of esters and note their odors; and
 Value the importance of esterification in commercial and industrial uses.

Chemicals:
You will need…
Carboxylic Acids Alcohol Materials
 Formic acid  Isobutyl alcohol You will use…
 Acetic acid  Benzyl alcohol  Beaker
 Salicylic acid  Isobutyl alcohol  5 test tubes
 Isoamyl alcohol  Dropper
 Test tube rack
 Ethyl alcohol
 Methyl alcohol
Procedures:
1. Into five clean, dry test tubes add 10 drops of liquid carboxylic acid or 0.1 g of solid
carboxylic acid and 10 drops of alcohol according to the scheme in table 1 below. Draw
and name the resulting products. Note the odor and appearance of each reactant.
Table 1 Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols
Test Reactants Products Observation
Tube (Odor and
No.
Carboxylic Alcohol Ester Water Appearance)
Acid

__________ __________
Isobutyl

Formic Acid

__________ __________

Benzyl
Acetic

__________ __________

Isoamyl

Acetic

__________ __________

Ethyl

Acetic
 5

__________ __________

Salicylic

Methyl

Questions:
1. Identify the odor produced by the reaction of an acid and alcohol using the ester’s odor
shown below.
Ester’s Odor Ester’s Odor
Banana-like Vinegar-like
Minty Ointment-like

Test Tube No. Ester’s Odor

1
2
3
4
5

Application
Suppose you were bitten by an insect, causing skin irritation and redness. Suggest a simple way
of removing the irritation on the skin.
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Conclusion
I therefore conclude that ________________________________________________
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